I’d love to hear from fellow self-managing landlords about the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way—whether it’s handling difficult move outs, maintenance strategies, or unique ways to streamline day-to-day operations.

Using a 401(k) loan reduces your emergency liquidity, which could make the investment riskier if unexpected costs arise.

It’s still a worthy strategy to force cash flow that’s rare to find in SoCal, especially if you can reduce the cost of construction by doing a conversion/using an ADU grant or even buying a property with an existing ADU In general, even if the ADU valuation matches your cost including grants, they are usually not worth it in southern CA in single family zones. 

To structure a partnership, consider forming an LLC where you handle property management, renovations, and operations, while the investor provides the down payment.

As mentioned elsewhere, as much as you're able to do so now, handle all estate matters so you can avoid probate.

 $9k/$72500=12.4% Rate of return (not including any closing costs which would reduce this return).  

Given how important these features are for real estate investors, it’s frustrating that the integration isn’t as solid as it should be.I would appreciate hearing any insights from the community, mainly if someone has found a better solution for syncing AppFolio or handling portfolio loans more efficiently.

I do not care what the source of the return is  Historically the highest return is via a value add and appreciation and is more so recently due to the recent rate increase versus earlier this century (before 2022).However, most new RE investors cannot handle extended periods of large negative cash flow.  

If you think about it in any industry less transparency and more friction in the transaction will increase fees/commission vs reducing them.I like the idea as an investor of having different agents, a team of agents maybe 3-4 bringing me deals, but I think less of that will happen now as all will have to have you sign some kind of agreement up front. 

Clear damage would be the vinyl window handles chipped and broken.